Marcella Martha Thomas Born on July 29, 1919 in Lawrence, Nebraska, passed from this life on February 16, 2010. Marcella was a strong upstanding landmark upon this earth, serving as a moral compass to all, and giving generously to her family, faith and community for 90 years. She was a teacher by profession, teaching first in a one-room schoolhouse to all eight grades. In the early forties she moved to California from the Midwest and joined the ranks of working women at Moffett Field who ultimately became the embodiment of the widely remembered "Rosie the Riveter" poster. After the war ended Marcella met and subsequently married the love of her life, Art Thomas, at St. Joseph's Church, now the cathedral, in San Jose. She and Art were married for over 60 years and had five children. Referred to as "Sally" by family and friends. Marcella returned to the classroom in 1961. She worked as a speech pathologist at Mt. Pleasant School District for 18 years. Marcella and Art were active members of many San Jose parishes, but were founding members of Santa Teresa, St. Julie, and Our Lady of Peace. Marcella taught religious education at these and other parishes for 40 years. During the 1980's and 90's she served regularly as a volunteer at the Southside Seniors Center. In her spare time, Sally loved playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren. A teacher to the end, innumerable hours were spent with each of the grandkids, reading, doing math problems , and working in workbooks. Marcella is preceded in death by her husband Arthur, her son Steven, her 7 brothers and sisters, and her son-in-law, Jim Peck. She is survived by four daughters, Janet Nicholls, June Thomas, Martha Peck, and Marlene Mayberry, and her sons-in-law Ken Nicholls and Jim Wilkinson. Grandchildren Brianna, Dustin, Kaitin, Chelsea, Bryant and Brad will greatly miss their Grandma Sally, as will her great-granddaughters Rhianna and Sydney Thomas. Family and friends are invited to a funeral mass for this inspirational woman of faith which will take place on Saturday, 02/20/2010 at 10am at Santa Teresa Church, 794 Calero Avenue, San Jose, CA. Rosary Friday night, 02/19/2010 at 7pm at Oak Hill Funeral Home, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on February 19, 2010.